San Francisco SafeStart Initiative

The goal of the SafeStart Initiative is to reduce the incidence and impact of violence on children ages six and under living in San Francisco, CA.

In order to achieve their goal, SafeStart provides training and support to staff at points-of-service who provide intervention and treatment to families with young children exposed to violence. Early intervention and treatment services include: support groups and counseling for children and parents/caregivers, parenting education classes, safety planning for parents and children, and assistance with finding child care, shelter, and food. In addition, SafeStart conducts policy advocacy and systems change work to promote effective responses to childhood exposure to violence.

The goal of the SafeStart Initiative is to reduce the incidence and impact of violence on children ages 6 and under.

A study by Education, Training, and Research Associates showed that, at the end of services, 90% of mothers reported that their children felt safer and 94% of mothers said that they felt safer.